AK SB51

Establishes a 7-member Sunrise Review Board within the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to review proposed legislation creating new professional or occupational licenses, changing scope of practice, or eliminating licenses

Board composition includes directors from Commerce, Health, and Labor departments, plus appointees from the Attorney General, Commissioner of Labor, and two public members appointed by the governor (one with business/accounting experience, one with health/safety experience)

Requires the board to recommend the least-restrictive regulatory approach necessary to protect the public, prioritizing alternatives like consumer protection enforcement, inspections, bonding requirements, or voluntary certification over formal licensure

Review requests may be submitted by government officials at no cost, or by practitioners, professional groups, or consumers upon payment of a fee set by the board

Takes effect January 1, 2026, with appointed members serving staggered terms of 1-3 years initially